He
was one of the land-owners who would invite the rare visitor to
share rye bread, cheese and local wine. As first ‘Sherpa’
of the region, he accompanied visitors in their discoveries.
Given that walkers and mountain climbers always took the same
Champex route, the chalet-stable soon became a chalet-stable-inn
with a “drinking room” and guest rooms.
It
was a memorable era for mountaineering. Maurice, Daniel’s
son, made a name for the Crettex dynasty as a legendary guide,
with several firsts to his credit in the Mount Blanc Massif.
In June 1896 he was authorised by the Valais Canton State Council
to become an official mountain guide. His reputation spread
as far afield as the London Alpine Club.
Construction
of the Simplon railway line began in 1884 and was completed
with its opening in 1906. In 1892 Daniel built the first hotel
in Champex, ‘l’Hôtel de la Poste’, a hotel
with a warm welcome, where guests could revitalize themselves
in milk baths. A horse-drawn carriage transported visitors up
the mountain from Martigny.
By
1907 Champex already had 9 hotels, with more than 500 beds.
Visitors could play tennis, swim, canoe, go trout fishing, explore
the mountains by day and dance by night. We can probably never
recapture the spirit of enterprise and solidarity that enlivened
our little mountain community almost a century ago.
World-wide
conflicts slowed down the small resort’s development. Came
the 1950s, the third generation went into action. Our little
resort inaugurated the Breya chair-lift in 1952, opening up
the majestic blue and white horizons of the Alps to skiers.
The winter tourist season was born, winter sports and skiing
became a social phenomenon.
Now,
come a new century, Champex, this little paradise in the heart
of the Alps, continues to charm and make hearts sing. It remains
small sized, a good place to live. Hence we recommend it discreetly,
by word of mouth, rather like a favourite perfume or a vineyard
of longstanding, fine reputation.
Today,
Daniel Crettex’s descendants, Pierre-Nicolas and his son
Charles Henri, are building a 18 apartment, high quality Residence,
with a magnificent, uninterrupted view of the lake and the Alps.
As co-owners in the chalet-style building, they’re incorporating
hotel-style service and a “wellness” – health-fitness
centre.
This
grand Residential Hotel Chalet will be called “Les Mayens”
(The Pastures).
Our
privilege in living here incites us to share this good fortune.
Lake Champex (Champex-Lac) is situated at 1,500 m. above sea
level, countryside of mountain tracks and ski slopes, amidst
nature that remains unspoilt, where we hope to meet you as tomorrow’s
guests.
*
A brief history of Champex (pron. Shom-pay) and
the CRETTEX (pron. Cre-tay) family.
Sources :
• Champex commemorative booklet 1995 – Albert Meilland
• MAURICE CRETTEX – Legendary guide - Ernest Christen
